When Julius Randle signed with the Knicks in the summer of 2019, he joined a team that had just suffered its sixth consecutive losing season. The Knicks were fresh off of a 17-win campaign that matched the worst season in franchise history.

The Minnesota Timberwolves head to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks in a non-conference matchup. The Timberwolves are 21-19, which puts them in eighth place in the Western Conference. The Knicks are 27-15, which puts them in third place in the Eastern Conference.

Former New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle is gearing up to return to Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Randle’s Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Knicks on the road.

The Minnesota Timberwolves play against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden The Minnesota Timberwolves are spending $9,794,392 per win while the New York Knicks are spending $7,086,694 per win Game Time: 7:30 PM EST on Friday January 17,

Donte DiVincenzo will not play Friday night when the Timberwolves visit Madison Square Garden for a matchup with Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks. His absence could pose significant challenges for Minnesota.

There was no Villanova reunion. There was no anticipated spat with Rick Brunson to keep an eye on. Former fans didn’t have the chance to watch him play on the Garden floor during what has been a hot streak for the Delaware native.

Donte DiVincenzo, once a fearless, hot 3-point shooter for the Knicks, as he converted a career-high 40 percent from deep during the 2023-24 campaign, no longer suits up for the blue and orange. Now, he's a member of the Timberwolves, which would make for a different type of gathering.

Even if KAT, who missed Wednesday’s game with a thumb injury, can’t go, Precious Achiuwa has the athleticism to give Gobert problems. Look for the Wolves to, once again, lean on more athletic front-court options like Julius Randle and Naz Reid against this Knicks lineup.

The Knicks and the Timberwolves are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2019, but not for long. The New York Knicks will be playing at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday at Madison Square Garden.

As a reminder, these teams exchanged superstars in the offseason with Julius Randle heading to Minneapolis and Karl-Anthony Towns moving to the Big Apple. The Timberwolves lost at home Wednesday night to the Golden State Warriors, 116-115. New York won in overtime Wednesday in Philadelphia, 125-119, over the 76ers.

The former New York Knicks star Julius Randle will make an emotional return to Madison Square Garden.

Prediction for the NBA match between New York vs Minnesota, which will take place on January 18th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the teams' conditions! Several betting options are available.